Aquatics Jobs to Save Lives This Summer

The Victorian Aquatics and Recreation industry is struggling to deliver essential Aquatic services. The current workforce shortage is seriously impacting facility operations, with waiting lists for swimming lessons over 300 students long at some regional facilities.

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria has successfully received funding thanks to Jobs Victoria. The program, titled Next Wave, will work to support the delivery of 300 entry-level jobs at Aquatics facilities to work towards resolving this critical challenge.

Next Wave wants to recruit 150 Swim Teachers and Lifeguards by January, to ensure Aquatics facilities across Victoria can provide vital Aquatic services before Term 1, 2023.

Khy Blizzard, Aquatics Coordinator at Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre: “Our swim school waiting list has grown to 305. Having a shortage of teachers is impacting the community. Kids are not learning to swim which is a necessary life skill when living on the coast. The community needs qualified swim teachers to help teach their kids to swim so they can have a safe summer.”

Bass Coast Aquatic & Leisure Centre have employed a new swim teacher last month through the Next Wave program.

“Having Jenna join our team has freed our wait list up by 35-45 kids” Blizzard said.

Jenna says “I'm having a lot of fun learning and being part of a great team. This job has helped me in a huge way. I feel like I’m important now and I can teach kids a valuable lifesaving skill.”

Next Wave is designed to provide secure employment for Victorian residents from specific  priority cohorts across the State – in both Metropolitan Melbourne and Regional Victoria. Roles as Swim teachers, Lifeguards, Duty Manager and Customer Service Officers are offered on a permanent part-time or full-time basis, for at least 19hrs a week for 12+ months. Employers are reimbursed for the costs associated with training, onboarding, and employing Jobseekers, while jobseekers receive job-readiness training and support thanks to JVES project partners, WCIG and Qualify.

This program is currently underway and will run until June 2023.

If you, or anyone you know, is interested in a role with Next Wave visit our website now.

If you’re facing a workforce shortage in your aquatic facility, register now.

About ARV:

Aquatics and Recreation Victoria is the peak industry body for Victorian Aquatics and Recreation. ARV is a not-for-profit member-based association providing support, professional development, training, advocacy, research, and networking opportunities to those who plan, build, own, operate or service aquatic and recreation facilities across Victoria. Next Wave is an initiative funded through the Jobs Victoria Priority Workforce Projects.

December is national Water Safety Month.

Contact:

Evie Ogier

Industry Communications and Engagement Officer, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria.

eogier@aquaticsandrecreation.org.au / 9271 3800.